Method for vulcanizing rubber soles on boots and shoes



p 1953 G. MEDIANO CAPDEVILA 2,650,390

METHOD FOR VULCANIZING RUBBER SOLES N BOOTS AND SHOES Filed Sept. 11,1950 a Sheets-Sheet 1 62 l 3 l 61 E A I I 43 z J I 53 i 1 ,1 Q

a5 1 E a 7 E 36 57 i 3 r INVENTOR GMedmno (Ja ade/z/bla.

ATTORNEYS pt 1953 G. MEDIANO CAPDEVILA 2,650,390

METHOD FOR VULCANIZING RUBBER SOLES ON BOOTS AND SHOES Filed Sept. 11,1950 8 SheetsSheet 2 INVENTOR BY WM {Lg @944 ATTORNEYS G. MEDIANOCAPDEVILA 2,650,390 METHOD FOR VULCANIZING RUBBER SOLES on BOOTS ANDSHOES Sept. 1, 1953 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Sept. 11, 1950 Hiiw in i

HIHIHHIIIIIIIHHI C'QPdeI/Zla,

BY W m AT'TOIfNEYS' Sept. 1, 1953 2,650,390

G. MEDIANC CAPDEVILA METHOD FOR VULCANIZING RUBBER SOLES ON BOOTS ANDSHOES Filed Sept. 11, 1950 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 um is L? F1 -7 Q 5. 0/ aINVENTOR Cc aciev 1314,,

BY WM M ATTO""W p 1953 G. MEDIANO CAPDEVILA 2,650,390

METHOD FOR VULCANIZING RUBBER SOLES on BOOTS AND SHOES Filed Sept. 11,1950 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 lit-1 INVENTOR Cifledmno Ca d wm ATTORNEY$ Spt- 1. 1953 c;. MEDIANO CAPDEVILA 2,650,390

METHOD FOR VULCANIZING RUBBER SOLES ON BOOTS AND SHOES Filed Sept. 11,1950 8 sheets -sheet 6 INVENTOR ATTORN Y3 p w 1953 'G. MEDIANO CAPDEVILA2,650,390

METHOD FOR VULCANIZING RUBBER sows 0N BOOTS AND SHOES 8 Sheets-Sheet '7Filed 11, 1950 l/ldlidillllilll1l!!!IAlI/lllllifflflfl i I!!!rllllllll'lll m If!!! M llll'llll'l llllllllfllllIl/I/ llvlllllll INVENTOR ATTORNEY-5 Patented Sept. 1, 1953 METHOD FOR VULCANIZING RUBBERSOLES' ON. BOOTS AND SHOES Gonzalo Mediano Capdevila, Barcelona, Spain,assignor to Coturno, S. A., Caracas, Venezuela, a corporation ofVenezuela Original application December 27, 1949, Serial No.

135,246. Divided and this application September 11, 1950, Serial No.184,264.

March 30, 1946 Claims.

This application is a division of application Serial No. 135,246, filedDecember 27, 1949, now Patent #1641281.

The present invention relates to shoe manufacture and is particularlydirected to a method for uniting by vulcanization a rubber sole to theupper of a boot or shoe. The term sole is con strued to also include theheel.

An object of the invention is to provide a method wherein a last and amold consisting of three parts are movable relatively to the last inorder to shape respectively the under-surface and the two side edges ofthe sole with appropriate heating.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved method whichis especially suitable for use in uniting a rubber sole to a boot orshoe upper of material such as leather which is liable to be damaged byexposure to high temperature.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a process whereinthe movements of the elements of a machine are so correlated that theunvulcanized rubber is united to the boot or shoe upper by vulcanizationin a most efiicient and desirable way. g

A still further object of the invention is to provide a method wherebythe timing of the various elements of the machine carrying out themethod is such that certain elements constituting the mold are exertingpressure during vulcanization while other elements of the machine areimmobilized.

Another object of the invention is to provide for a proper sequence ofoperations so that they can be performed automatically and the operatoris only required to attend to the machine for the insertion of the partsof the boot or shoe preparatory to vulcanization and the extraction ofthe vulcanized boot or shoe from the machine. Consequently, severalmachines may carry out the various steps of the method under thesupervision of a single operator.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a method wherebysuitable pressures are applied during the diiferent periods ofvulcanization.

A still further object is to provide electrical controls for the varioussteps of the process to ensure that the material of the upper is notdamaged by heat.

A still further object of the invention is to provide for suitablecooling also to prevent damage during the vulcanization step.

The method can be more readily understood whenconsidered in conjunctionwith a machine In Spain constructed in order to carry out the varioussteps and a description of one form. of such a machine will be set forthbelow. Such a machine includes a rigid frame, a rockable bridgecomprising a head having on its under side means for the attachment of alast in an upright position, the bridge also comprising two dependingarms pivotally connected at their lower ends to said frame, guidesrigidly mounted on said bridge and supporting a pair of jaws which areadapted to shape the two side edges of the sole and which are slidabletowards and away from each other in a direction perpendicular to thedirection of rocking movement of the bridge, means cooperating with thejaws and the frame to urge the jaws together in response to rockingmovement of the bridge, a platform which is adapted to shape the underside of the sole, the platform being provided with heating means andconnected to an elevating device mounted in the frame, and actuatingmeans serving first to displace the bridge so as to close the jaws andthereafter to operate the elevating device to raise the platform intoposition to compress the sole against the last. The means for urging thejaws together may constitute struts each pivotally connected to one ofthe jaws and to the frame.

In a preferred arrangement the said actuating means may include ascrew-threaded shaft engaged in an internal screw thread in a hollow hubof a gear member rotatable but not axially displaceable in a gear boxmounted on the said frame, and means for rotating the gear member ineither direction, the shaft being pivotally connected to the bridge, andthe arrangement being such that rotation of the gear member can causeaxial displacement of the shaft without its rotation, whereby the bridgeis rocked. This shaft may be provided with two clutch members disposedrespectively on opposite sides of the hub of the gear member and adaptedto engage complementary clutch members on this hub when the shaftreaches the respective limits of its range of axial displacement,whereby rotations in the two directions is imparted to the shaft oncompletion of its axial displacements. The actu ating means may alsoinclude a shaft coupled by a universal joint to thesaid screw-threadedshaft and drivably connected to the elevating device.

The axial displacements of the shaft in the two directions correspondrespectively to the stages of opening and closing of the jaws, and therotary movement of the shaft, at the end of the axial displacementeffecting theclosing of the jaws, corresponds to the period in which the3 platform ascends and presses the rubber sole with different pressuresagainst the upper on the last.

The actuating means preferably are adapted also to open the jaws and tolower the platform and cooperate with a timing device which introduces apredetermined delay between on the one hand the closing of the jaws andthe raising of the platform and on the other hand the opening of thejaws and the lowering of the platform. Thus, where the actuating meansinclude the axially displaceable and rotatable shaft hereinbeforereferred to, the platform is maintained automatically in its moldingposition by the action of the timing device for as long as is requiredto ensure complete vulcanization of the rubber sole. As soon asvulcanization is complete, the gear member is set in rotation in thereverse direction with the result that first the shaft is displacedaxially to cause the opening of the jaws and thereafter it is set inrotation to cause the descent of the platform. The operating mechanismof the platform may be operated by hydraulic or mechanical or electricalmeans.

With the'above and other objects in view one embodiment of theinvention, by way of example, is shown in the accompanying drawings inwhich:

Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view taken through one of the operationalstations of the machine;

Fig. 2 is a side view of the machine with parts omitted for greaterclarity;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of one operating station.

Fig. 4 is an elevational view with certain parts in cross-section ofcertain elements of the machine with parts omitted illustrating thedetails thereof;

Fig. 5 is a side view of the control shaft together with a fragmentaryview of the bridge supporting arms illustrating the two limit positionsof such arms during the operation of the machine;

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a type of last which may be used;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the entire machine illustrating the twooperating stations;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary perspective View of both operating stations;

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken upon section line 99 of Fig. 10illustrating one type of heating, means that may be used for theplatform for applying the unvulcanized rubber against the bottom of theupper upon a last;

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view upon section line Ill-40 of Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a horizontal cross-sectional view through a pair ofcooperating jaws wherein electrical resistances are used foraccomplishing the vulcanization;

Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken upon section line l2--l 2 ofFig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a view similar to Fig. 11 but illustrating a modifiedconstruction of the jaws wherein water or steam is used for supplyingthe heat for vulcanization;

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken upon section line i l-I4 ofFig-13;

Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional View taken upon section line A--A of Fig.16 looking upwardly in the direction of the arrows of a water or steamheated platform to be used in conjunction with the jaws shown in Fig.13;

Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken on the section line 5-! 6 ofFig. 15;

Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken upon section line A--A of Fig.16 looking downwardly in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 18 illustrates a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a detailshowing the type of coupling that may be used for the inlet of water orsteam on an enlarged scale;

Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a hydraulic gauge used incooperation with electrical switches for controlling the pressureapplied during different periods of vulcanization;

Fig. 20 is a top plan view of the gauge shown in Fig. 19; and

Fig. 21 is a wiring diagram for securing the proper sequential operationof the various elements of the machine.

In the various figures similar reference characters indicate like parts.

The machine is adapted to vulcanize two shoes simultaneously as clearlyappears from Figs. 7 and 8. In Figs. 1, 2 and 4. only oneoperatingstation is shown but the other station is, exactly similarthereto.

Referring to Fig. 1 a fixed horizontal frame I is fixed to the standv 2.At each side of the machine the ends of a pair of jaws 3 are slidable inguide members consisting of a casting 4 and two. head plates 4' fixed tothe part 4 by screws. The jaws are connected to the sides of theframe Iby means of struts 5 (Fig. 3), the. ends. of which are pivotallyconnected by means of pivoted joints 6 and I to the sides of the frameand of said jaws respectively. The jaws have their borders 8 socontoured as both to embrace the lower part of a shoe upper required tobe united by vulcanization to a rubber sole and also to. mold the edgeof the sole.

The guide members 4 are fixed by screws to a rocking bridge comprising ahead 9 and two depending arms H. In the head 9 is provided a space H]for the last. The two arms H are pivoted on pins l2 rigid with a baseportion I3 of the frame.

At one side of the frame I is an actuating screw shaft I4 passingthrough 'a gear box [5 in which is mounted on journal and thrustbearings a worm wheel l6. Ahub I! of the wheel [6 is internally screwthreaded and engages the. shaft. A worm I8 cooperates with the wormwheel l6 and is connected by a shaft 20 to a reversible motor [9attached to the frame of the machine (Fig. 3).

Bearings 2| supporting the worm shaft 20 are fixed to the side of theframe through which the shaft 14 passes. This shaft [4. has near itsinner end a ball 22 (Figs. 1 and 3) connected by a universal housing toa beam 23 rigid with the guides 4. An extension 24 of the shaft l4beyond .the ball 22 ends in a universal joint 25 to which one end of ashaft 26 is connected. An intermediate sleeve 21 connects the shaft 26to. a shaft 28 constituting an extensible prolongation of the shaft 26,so that the length of the composite shaft 26, 21 28 can be adjusted tosuit the normal operation of the machine. The lower end of the shaft 28is connected by a universal joint 29 to a projecting end 30 of a shaftin a gear box 3i, in which a gear-wheel system is adapted to impartaxial displacements in both directionsv to a screw 32 guided in acylinder '33. A piston 34 operates in the cylinder 33 to causethe'transfer offliquid between the cylinder.3 3 and two ram chambers,one at each side of the machine, formed in cylindrical bodies 38, only.one of which appears in Fig. 2. A port 36 of the cylinder 33 isconnected by a pipe with an admission and discharge port 31 in thebottom of each ram chamber 35. A piston 39 is slidable in the chamber 35and provided with an elastic packing 49 sealing the piston with respectto the wall of the chamber 35. The piston 39 constitutes an actuatingmember for a platform 4| slidable in a direction parallel to the arms I!in the guides 4. A'strut 42 is connected by a gudgeon pin 43 with thepiston 39 and by a gudgeon pin 44 with the base of the platform 4|.Downward movement of the platform is assisted by helical tension springs45 connected between brackets 46 extending from the body 38 and bracket41 extending from the piston strut 42. The springs are anchored by hookbolts 48 and 49 which are held in the brackets by means of nuts 56 and5| serving as tension adjusters.

The lower face of the bridge head 9 is provided with two lugs 52. To oneof these lugs is hinged a pressure plate 53 under which the last 54 isplaced during the pressing operation. The last is fitted with the shoeupper 55, the base of which is opposed to an up per face 56 of theplatform 4|, which face has a contour complementary to that of the lowerface of the sole to be vulcanized and united to the shoe upper 55. Theface 56 is provided with flutings in accordance with the patternrequired to be moulded on the lower face of the rubber sole. 3

The shaft I4 is provided, at its end projecting outwards from the gearbox 15 with a hand wheel 5! for manual operation in emergency.

Further, the parts of the shaft |4 projecting from the two sides of thegear box I5 are fitted with nuts 58 and 59 which can be adjustably fixedby means of lock-nuts 60 and 6|. The nuts 56 and 59 are provided attheir faces directed towards the front and back ends 62 and 63 of thehub ll of the worm wheel 6 (Fig. 1) with abutments 64 and 65respectively. These abutments are adapted to engage respectivelyabutments 66 and 61 on the huh I! of the wheel l6 and thereby toinitiate rotation of the shaft M at the limits of its alternative axialmovements.

A source of heat 68 (Fig. 1) which is preferably electrical, isaccommodated within the upper part of the platform close under the upperface 56, in order to provide the heat necessary for vulcanization.

The machine so far described operates as follows. It will be assumedthat the jaws 3 are open, i. e. in the position shown in Fig. 3. Thelast 54 fitted with the shoe upper is placed between the jaws and themotor I9 is started. The worm |8 rotates the worm wheel I6.

Owing to the resistance imposed by the platform elevating mechanism torotation of the screw shaft M, the hub I! of the wheel l6, acting as anut, displaces the shaft |4 axially to the left as viewed in Figs. 1 and3. This displacement causes a like displacement to the left of the beam23 and of the two sets of guides 4, jaws 3 and platform 4|. Since theguides are fixed to the arms I I, the bridges are rocked to the left.

The struts 5 accordingly approach positions perpendicular to the frame Iand cause jaws 3 to close gradually against the sides of the lower partof the shoe uppers.

When the jaws are completely closed, the shaft |4 reaches the outer.limit of its range of axial displacement and engages the abutment 65 onthe nut 59 with the abutment 61 on the hub ll of the worm wheel. Theshaft 14 is thereby caused to rotate without axial displacement, and

this rotation is transmitted by the shafts 26 and 28 to the gearing inthe box 3| producing an advance of the piston 34 and a delivery ofliquid into the ram chambers 35. Each piston 39 thereupon rises andurges the associated platform 4|, on the face of which has beenpreviously placed an unvulcanized rubber sole, towards the shoe upper 55placed on the last 54, which supports the molding pressure by bearingagainst the plate 53.

When this stage is reached, a timing device described belowautomatically keeps the platforms stationary for the time necessary toeffect the vulcanization of the rubber, after which the motor I9 isautomatically started in the reverse direction. The above-describedsequence of operations now takes place in reversed order. Thus the shaftI4 is axially displaced to the right, the bridges tilt and the jaws 3open until the abutment 64 on the nut 58 engages the shaft H begins torotate without axial abutment 66 on the hub Thereupon the shaft 14begins to rotate without axial displacement and causes the piston 34 tobe withdrawn. In this way the platforms 4| are caused to descend untilthey are stopped by the action of a limit switch described below. Whenthe parts of another pair of shoes have been placed in the machine, anew cycle of operation may be started.

When the upper face 56 of the platform 4| is to be electrically heated,which is the usual construction, it may have the form shown in Figs. 9and 10. This comprises a suitably contoured casting ill having ahollowed out portion 1 The resistance elements 12 are located close tothe top surface and are held in place by a plate 13 in which areprovided suitable apertures through which extend the terminals 14 forconnecting the resistance elements deta'chably With a suitable source ofcurrent. The jaws 3 are constructed as shown in Figs. 11 and 12 whenelectrical heating is employed. Each jaw comprises a hollow casting 15of the configuration shown having the ends 16 which are slidable in theguide members comprising the casting 4 and the two plates 4'. Resistanceelements 11 are located adjacent the interior wall and are maintained inplace by the retaining elements 18. The resistance elements areconnected to the jacks 19 at the forward and rear ends of the jaws. Thejacks 19 are connected to an appropriate source of electrical energy andwith the construction described any defective resistance elements may beeasily replaced by simply removing the re-' taining plates 18 andreplacing the defective element.

When steam or hot water is to be utilized for the vulcanizing then insuch case the jaws 3 and the platform 4| may have a construction such asthat shown in Figs. 13 to 18 inclusive. The casting 8|] for a jaw 3 hasa configuration. somewhat similar to that shown in Fig. 11 but in thiscase inlets BI, and outlets 32 for the water or steam are provided andthe interior lateral wall of the jaw is provided with fins 83 for betterutilization of the heat at the interior lateral wall. The water or steamcompartments 84 are closed at the top by tightly fitting plates 85secured to the casting by screws 86. A coupling member 81 is threadedinto the inlet and outlet apertures 8| and 82 which are connected inturn to a suitable source of steam or water by a flexible connection.

The platform cooperating with the jaws shown in Figs. 13 and 14 is shownin Figs. 15, 16 andl'l.

The; platform 90 comprises a hollow casting 9| provided, with fins 92under its upper surface and the: steam or water compartment 93: is.closed bya tightly fittingplate 94 secured to the casting 9I by screws95;. The plate 94 is provided with the inlet and outlet openings 95 forsteam or water and a coupling member 97 similar to 81 is threaded. intosuch openings for connection to, a, suitablesource of steam or watersupply.

In Fig. 6 a last 98 is shown of metal which is hollow andwhich hasextending into the interior atube 99 with an exterior end 99. The end.99 may beconnected by a flexible connection to a. cooling supply such aswater so as toprevent any. damage to. the upper material duringvulcanization. A coupling 99." is also provided in the last 98 whichwill permit evacuation of the cooling fluid from the last.

The electrical control and wiring.

The electrical wiring and control for bringing about the propersequential operations of the machine described above is shown in Fig.21.

Various elements and devices shown therein will first be described andthen the operation for securing the propersequential automatic operationwill be set forth.

A first clock and timing mechanism is shown at IBI and comprises therelay M2, the mercury switch I03 and the return clamping device I04regulata-ble by the regulator Il'iE which. controls the entry of airinto the device Hi4 which contains. a piston. When the relay I82 isenergized the mercury switch I03 is quickly thrown and then the returnof the mercury switch I03 to the position shown in Fig. 21 will takeplace in the period of time for which. the regulator I95 may be set.This period is generally about three minutes.

A-t I-Ilfi'a similar clock and timing mechanism is shown comprising arelay I 02., a mercury switch I 03! and elements I94 and I correspondingto elements I04. and I05 respectively.

A contact relay is shown at Iii! and comprises the coil H18. and thecontacts I69. When the. coil Hi8 isenergized the contacts I99 will beseparated and upon deenergizationv connection. will again bemade by thecontacts I09.

Another contact relay is shown at H9 and when its coil II I is energizedthe contacts H13 will be disconnected and the. contacts at II2v will beconnected. Upon deenergization of the; coil I;I.I connection will bemade by the contacts H3; and disconnection at the contacts H2.

Means. for reversing the current to the motor- I9 are shown at H4 andH5. The relay l I-Ii operates the element- II ir for connecting themotor for direct drive and the relay I'I'I. operates the element M5 forconnecting the motor for reverse drive.

A contact relay H8 operated by the coil I-I-9 connects the heatingresistances. to the: current supply The fuses I29 safeguard shortcircuits in the lines. connecting the above elements and devices.

A switch I2-i" controls the current to the electrical control lines anda press button switch I22- initiates the operation of the machine.Inorder to change at, any time the direction of operation of themachineachangeover or reverse switch I2 3-is provided. Inaddition a switch I24is provided for controlling the heating resistances independently.

" At thef-ront of the machine the advance switch I25 is located so thatwhen the beam 23- fixedto 8 the, guides 4. advances contact isestablished between. the contacts I26 and I2! momentarily and as: the.advance continues contact is established betweenthe contacts. I28 andI29 which remains duringthe vuicani-zing operation.

A pressure gauge contact is shown at, I30 and this: gaugeis setgenerally to make contact at 7-5 atmospheres. It willof course makecontact at whatever-pressure it. is; set for. A switch mechanism is.also: shown at I3I which is operated.- by the hydraulic pressure gaugeshown in Figs. 1-9. and 20 which is. in connection. with. the ramchamber-s35; In the switch mechanisms I3I- the bridge. Hi2 v establishescontact between the contacts I-3-5-and L36. at so atmospheres andbetween L33 and H14: at 25 atmospheres. The bridge I31 maintains contactbetween the contacts I38 and I39 from zero to 60 atmospheres. When apressure of 60 atmospheres is exceeded contact is broken between thecontacts I38 and I39 but this contact is again reestablished when thepres.- sure returns to. 6.0 atmospheres.

The return switch Hill is located at the rear of the machine; so thatupon the return of the beam 2-3 and theguide 4 thebridge- I4-I cuts thecontact maintained between contact I42 and I43 during the entirevulcanizing period and thebridg-e I44 establishes contact between thecontacts I45 and H56 terminating the operationof the machine.

A red pilot light I4! is lighted upon the termination of the vulcanizingoperation to signal the operator that the finished shoes may now bewithdrawn.

When the switch I 2| is connected a green. pilot light M8; is lightedindicating the existence of electric currents in the automatic board.

The main line switch is indicated at M9 which connects the entiremachine to the three-phase main line RST'of 2 20 volts. If the main lineis of a different voltage then a transformer is inserted.

The fuses I59 safeguard the main circuit.

The heating resistances for the vulcanization areshown at I5I, I52, I53,I54, I55, and 56 and are of 500 watts and 120.- volts each and in starconnection at the contact point I51. Of the above six resistances fourare for the jaws 3, one for each jaw, and the two remaining are for theplatforms 4-I, onefor each platform.

A thermostat I58 controls the temp rature of the above resistances bymaking or breaking contact at. the contacts I59 and 1-65. The operationof the thermostat I58 may be brought about by an auxiliary resistancewhich is in parallel with the ones previously mentioned or by contactwith the containers for said resistances.

A red pilot lamp I-GI indicates whether current is being supplied ornotto, the resistances.

The motor I9 isaone horse-power motor op.- erable bya three-phasecurrent of 220 volts between phases.

A series of terminals 263.9,, 2H], 2! I, ZIZ, 2 I3, 214, M5, 216, 2!;1',H3; H9, and 229 is provided whose function will appear below.

The operation is as follows:

The machine is first connected to the main line EST by the switch- Hi9.Then the switch i2I is connected which. lights the green pilot lamp J84indicating that current has, been connected to the automatic board.

When it is desired. to actually start the operation of the. machine thestarting button I22 is pressed and then the following circuit isestablished': from phase T of the main line, to the terminal 212, toswitch I Z-I, to terminal 22%, to the coil I'I-I actuating the relay H9,then to the ter- 9 minals 2I0 and 209 to the other phase S of the mainline. When the relay H is actuated the contacts H2 are connected and thcurrent then coming from the terminal 220 passes over the contacts H2and energizes the coil H6 since the circuit is again closed by passingthrough the terminals 2 I0 and 209 to the phase S of the main line. Whenthe coil H is energized it connects the contact H4 and the main linethree-phase current RST passes over H4 to W, U, V and to the motor I9.

When the push button I22 is released the current does not reach thecoils I I I and H3 over the terminal 220 but instead it comes from theswitch I2I through the terminal 2 I0 and the contacts I09 to the contactH4 at its fourth bridge which has been raised previously and thereforethe relays H0 and HB continue in operation and the motor I9 is set indirect drive actuating the worm I8, the worm wheel I6 thereby moving theshaft I4 axially which brings about a closing of the jaws 3 on theirforward movement.

During this forward movement of the jaws 3 the rear end of the returnswitch I40 disconnects the contacts I45 and I46 thereby extinguishingthe red pilot light, I4'I which indicates the end of the vulcanizingperiod. Contact is simultaneously made with the contacts I42 and I43.When the locking movement of the jaws 3 terminates the forward end ofthe advance switch I25 is actuated thereby producing a momentary contactbetween the contacts I26 and I2! so that the current coming from theswitch I2I, to the terminal 2l6, contacts I09, fourth bridge of H4,terminal 220, passes from I21 to I26, to the terminal 2I4 therebyenergizing the coil I02 of the first timing mechanism IOI as well as thecoil I 02 of the first timing mechanism IOI as well as the coil I02 ofthe second timing mechanism which is in parallel, and then the circuitis closed through the terminals ZIU and 209 to the line S. At thismoment the timing devices of WI and I06 are set so that IOI will operatein about three minutes and I06 Will operate in about twelve minutes. Thecontact between I26 and I 21 is only momentary and takes place at theend of the advance movement of the jaws. During such ad- Vance movementcontact remains established between the contacts I28 and I29.

As explained above when the jaws 3 are completely closed the shaft I 4no longer has any axial movement but rotates in order to bring about thehydraulic compression of the coil in the cylinders 35.

Connected to the cylinders 35 is a small cylinder which acts as apressure gauge. -This gauge is shown in Figs. 19 and 20.

When the unvulcanized rubber is pressed against the upper it isadvantageous to maintain the pressure at about 25 atmospheres during thefirst thre minutes in order to prevulcanize the rubber at the closurepoint and thereby avoid the losses which would be produced by a greaterpressure. As soon as this prevulcanization has been carried out then thepressure is raised to about 7 5 atmospheres and such pressure ismaintained throughout the remainder of the process. These operations aretaken care of automatically by the pressure gauge cooperating with aswitch arrangement.

The hydraulic pressure gauge shown in Figs. 19 and comprises a smallcylinder 3I6 which is connected with the ram chambers 35. When suchchambers are subjected to pressure it will raise a small piston 3I8against the pressure exerted by a spring 3 I 9. The piston 3 I 8 isextended by a rod 320 which controls the switches I3I, so as to suitablyactuate the motor I9. The piston 3! slides in a bore 3H provided in thecylinder 3I6 and the spring 3I9 is enclosed in a cylindrical tube 3I5which is closed at the top by a plug 32 I. By suit/ably adjusting theplug 32I the pressure gauge may be adjusted so as to act at variouspressures.

During the initial period of three minutes the switches at I3Idisconnect the motor when the pressure reaches 25 atmospheres and thensets the motor I!) in operation again at 20 atmospheres if any lossesshould occur thereby keeping the pressure between these limits.

After the initial period of thre minutes which takes care of theprevulcanization mentioned above the switches I3I are inoperative andthe motor I9 is controlled by other means to increase the pressure untilthe contact gauge I30 comes into operation and cuts the current for themotor I9 at 75 atmospheres. If there is a pressure loss the motor I9 isagain started when the pressure drops to 65 atmospheres and in this waythe pressure is maintained between 65 and 75 atmospheres until thevulcanization is completed when the entire pressure is released.

The switch system shown at I3I operates as follows under the action ofthe extension 320. When the bridge I32 closes the contact between thecontacts I33 and I34 the circuit through the terminal 2I6 passes throughthe mercury switch I03 which has been set so that the central contacttherein connects with the contact at the right hand side, then to theterminal 2I8, contacts I33 and I 34, the terminal ZI'I, then to the coilI08 energizing the same and finally through the terminals 2I0 and 209back to the line S.

When the coil I08 of the relay I0! is energized the contacts I09 aredisconnected thereby deenergizing the coil III and the coil H6 of thedevice H4. This breaks the main line connection to the motor I9 andstops the motor. This takes place at 25 atmospheres.

If there should be a loss of hydraulic pressure then the bridge I32 ofthe switch I3I will descend and make contact between the contacts I 35and I36. In such case the following circuit would be established: fromswitch I2I to the terminal 2I6, to the mercury switch I03 which is setto connect the central and right hand contacts, then to the terminal2I8, then to the contacts I36 and I35 then to the terminal 220 againenergizin the relay H0 and the device H4 as previously described withreference to operating the press button I22 whereby a momentary circuitwas established through the terminal 220. The motor I9 is then restartedtemporarily since the bridge I32 again connects I33 and I34 at whichposition as previously explained the motor circuit was broken.

In the above manner the pressure is maintained between 25 and 20atmospheers by the bridge I32 first making contact between the contactsI33 and I34 and then between I35 and I36. This only takes place duringthe time that the mercury switch I03 has been set so as to make contactbetween the central and the right hand terminal which as above explainedcontinues for a period of about three minutes as set by the regulatorI05.

After the three minute period the mercury switch is returned to theposition shown in Fig. 21 and the central contact connects the terminalat the left hand side and then the following circuit is established:from the switch I2I to the terminal 2 I6 thence to the central and lefthand 11 terminals of the mercury switch I93 and then to the terminal213, then to the contacts I29 and I28, since at the termination of themovement of the jaws towards one another contact became establishedbetween I29 and I28, then to the terminal 2I'5, then to the centralterminal of the mercury switch I93 then to the right hand terminal ofthe mercury switch I93 since as above explained this mercury switchremains in action for approximately 12 minutes, then to the terminal2I9, then to the contacts I39 and 138 which are connected by the bridgeI31, then to the terminal 229 and then in the same manner as previouslyexplained when the press button I22 is operated from terminal 229 to thecoil III of of the relay I I 9 energizing the same, then throughcontacts II2 to the coil H6 energizing the same and then by way of theterminals 2 I9 and 299 to the line S. The motor I9 therefore is startedagain within three minutes from the beginning of the operationindependently of the position of the bridge I32 of the switcharrangement 'I-3I.

Therefore the motor I9 continues in operation and the current operatingthe same is not cut off at 25 atmospheres since the bridge I32connecting the contacts I33 and I34 has on effect because the circuitformerly coming through the terminal 2I8 and the right hand terminal andcentral terminal of the mercury switch I93 is broken. The motor I9therefore continues in operation to increase the hydraulic pressure inthe ram chambers until the bridge I37 breaks the connection between thecontacts I38 and I39 at 60 atmospheres. The motor I9 continues inoperation after the breaking of such connection since the coils -I I land I It are still energized not through the terminal 229 and the bridgeI3! which has been broken but as previously explained through thefollowing circuit: from switch I'2I, terminal 216, contacts I99 and thefourth bridge of the device I'I4, with a consequent energization of thecoils III and H9.

The motor I9 therefore continues in operation even after the circuit hasbeen broken at the bridge I31 at 60 atmospheres and the motor continuesin operation until the contact gauge I breaks the circuit at thepressure for which it has been set which is about 75 atmospheres.

At such moment the circuit from switch I2I passes over the contact gaugeI39 to the terminal 2I'I, to the coil I98 and through the terminals 2 I9 and 299 to the line S. In energizing the coil I98 the contacts I99 arebroken and since the coils III and IIS were fed through the 4th bridgeof the device H4 and the contacts I99, the circuit to the motor I9 isbroken.

If there is a drop in pressure in the ram chambers the bridge I31 underthe action of the extension 329 will be lowered and make contact againbetween the contacts I38 and I39. In such case the motor I9 will againbe in circuit as previously explained through the terminal 2I9 and thecentral and right hand terminals of the mercury switch I93 since thecentral terminal of mercury switch I93 has not yet been connected withthe left hand terminal.

Therefore after the initial first three minutes even if losses inpressure should occur the pressure is maintained constant between and 75atmospheres to the end of the vulcanization period which is calculatedto be about 12 minutes from the start.

The reason for carrying out the vulcanization at a low pressure duringthe initial stage is to brin about a closure of the joints between the.12 upper and the sole and then after such closure has been establishedto supply the maximum pressure during the remainder of the operation.

After the twelve minute stage the central terminal of mercury switch I93makes contact with its left hand terminal as shown in Fig. 21 "and thecircuit is established as follows: From the switch I2I to the terminal2I9, through the central and left hand terminal of I93, to terminal 2I3through contacts I29 and I28, to terminal 2 I 5, through the central andleft hand terminals of mercury switch I93, then to the coil II II of thedevice H5 then through contacts :3, then through the small bridge ofdevice I I4 then to the terminal 392, then through contacts I43 and I42through the bridge I4I since at the beginl'lil'lg of the closing of thejaws 3 this contact'was established, then to the terminal 39! and thenceto the line S.

When the coil II I of the circuit above described is energized thedevice II5 is actuated and the three-phase line RST is connected to thelines WVU and the motor I9 is rotated in opposite direction therebyinitiating the return movement. The hydraulic pressure is removed andthe jaws 3 open as explained above. In such case the switch I25 removesthe connection between I29 and I29 and comes to the position occupiedwhen the jaws 3 are being opened. However such movement of the beam 23and the guide 4 causes at the rear of the machine a connection betweenthe contacts I45 and I46 by the bridge I44. In such case current fromthe switch I2I lights the lamp I4'i, passes through the bridge I44 tothe terminal 39I which is connected to the line S. The lighting of thered lamp I47 indicates the end of the vulcanizing operation. Finally thereturn circuit described above is broken when the bridge MI in the.final stage of the movement of the jaws 3 breaks the connection betweenthe contacts I42 and I43 and the operation is finished.

If at any time during the operation of the machine it is necessary toreverse the direction of rotation of the motor I9 it is merely necessaryto operate the switch I23 which breaks the connection between theterminals 2I9 and 299 which is essential for the direct operation of themotor and in such case current from switch I2I passes over the switchI23 to the terminal 2 from which it passes to the coil I I! which isenergized and actuates the device I I5 which drives the motor I9 inopposite direction.

In order to secure the heating of the jaws 3 and the platform I4I theheating switch I24 is closed and a circuit .is established .as follows:from the switch I24 to the contacts I69 and I59 0f the thermostat I58.If such thermostat is cold then the current passes to the coil I I9which makes the necessary connection with the main line. Energization ofthe coil I I9 connects the lines EST to the terminals 398, 391, and 396and thence to the resistancesv Simultaneously the circuit at I69 flowsto the signal lamp I6I which is lighted and indicates that the circuitis closed through the terminal 39I and the line S.

When the resistances have reached the desired temperature the thermostatI58 breaks the connection between the contacts I69 and I59 and thisbrings about a deenergization of the coil II9 which breaks theconnection of the resistances to the main line as well as the circuit ofthe light IBI. When the thermostat has cooled sufiiciently it againconnects the contacts I59 and Hit and in this Way a predeterminedconstant temperature is maintained by the resistances.

It is thought that the invention and its advantages will be understoodfrom the foregoing description and it is apparent that various changesmay be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the partswithout departing from the spirit and scope of th invention orsacrificing its material advantages, the form hereinbefore described andillustrated in the drawings being merely a preferred embodiment thereof.

I claim:

1. A method of vulcanizing a sole of vulcanizable material to an uppercomprising oscillating a last having an upper thereon and thereby movinglateral compression elements towards said last, then moving a sole to bevulcanized to said upper towards said last, pressing the sole againstthe upper, prevulcanizing the sole at a first predetermined presssurefor a predetermined period of time to prevulcanize the material andbring about a closure of the joints between said upper and the sole,increasing the pressure utilized for prevulcanizing to a substantiallyhigher pressure and vulcanizing said sole under the substantially higherpressure for a period of time greater than that utilized forprevulcanizing the sole and subsequently again oscillating said last toreturn said compression elements to original position.

2. A method of vulcanizing a sole of vulcanizable material to an upperas claimed in claim 1 and wherein the pressure maintained forprevulcanizing the sole is between approximately and 25 atmospheres andthe pressure maintained for vulcanizing the sole is betweenapproximately and atmospheres.

3. A method or" vulcanizing a sole of vulcanizable material to an upperas claimed in claim 2 and wherein the prevulcanizing pressure ismaintained for a period of approximately 3 minutes and the period ofvulcanizing the sole to the upper under substantially higher pressure ismaintained for an additional period of approximately 9 minutes.

4. A method of vulcanizing a sole of vulcanizable material to an upperas claimed in claim 1 and wherein the pressure maintained during theprevulcanizing of the sole is approximately 25 atmospheres and ismaintained for approximately 3 minutes, the substantially higherpressure for vulcanizing the sole being approximately 75 atmospheres andbeing maintained to the end of the vulcanization period of approximately12 minutes from the start.

5. A method of vulcanizing a sole to an upper as set forth in claim 1including the step of cooling the upper during vulcanization.

GONZALO MEDIANO CAPDEVILA.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS NumberName Date 627,840 Butterfield June 27, 1899 665,289 Watter Jan. 1, 19011,936,958 Skov Nov. 28, 1933 1,994,278 Halsall Mar. 12, 1935

